Job Description

Position Summary:

Colorado State University is offering the opportunity to create your own tailor-made zoological companion animal (ZCA) species position. Are you enjoying your private practice but would like to be involved in the team collaboration, advanced diagnostics, and teaching in an academic environment? Are you looking for additional experience with support of other ACZM specialists and the opportunity for continued refinement of knowledge and development of advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques with a diverse caseload? Colorado State University and the Veterinary Health System is offering the freedom and flexibility to choose elements of private practice and academia.

The Colorado State University Veterinary Health System in Fort Collins, Colorado is seeking applicants for a ZCA position. This position is flexible, anywhere from a 0.3 to 0.5 FTE position. Specialists interested in this position or those with additional questions should contact Dr. Chad Johannes ([email protected]), Executive Director of Clinical Care.

This position will have a 1-year contract with possibility for renewal.

Full consideration date: Friday, September 25, 2026, 11:59pm (MT). This position will remain open until filled.

Signing bonus and/or relocation expenses may be available for eligible and successful candidates.

At the CSU Veterinary Health System, animals and the people who care for them are at the heart of everything we do. Every decision we make reflects our commitment to those who trust us with their animals’ health. That focus inspires us to deliver expert veterinary services, support veterinary education and training, and advance groundbreaking research. We show up every day with passion, eagerness to collaborate, and a drive to redefine what’s possible. Our deep partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences amplifies our impact, enabling us to boldly innovate and share knowledge widely. 

The Avian, Exotic, and Zoological Medicine Service position is responsible for the management of non-traditional species at Colorado State University. The hospital is a well-equipped, full service veterinary referral facility. This position supports an important clinical service in the hospital, both in terms of client service and revenue generation. The AEZ Service currently consists of two full-time, board-certified faculty zoological medicine specialists, two zoological medicine residents (one zoo animal medicine, one zoological companion animal medicine), two specialty interns, one full-time technician, one full-time assistant, and a part-time clinic coordinator. Clinical facilities include fully equipped surgical suites, as well as two exam rooms and one treatment room for client consults and procedures, respectively. Advanced diagnostic imaging facilities on-site include helical CT scanner, PET, and 1.5 and 3 Tesla MRI.
 

Essential Job Duties:

• Provide advanced specialty medical and surgical care for avian, exotic, zoological companion animal, and other non-traditional species by performing comprehensive examinations, developing diagnostic and treatment plans, conducting advanced surgical procedures, interpreting diagnostic results, and delivering exceptional patient and client care.
• Manage specialty clinical cases by collaborating with faculty specialists, veterinary technicians, house officers, and referring veterinarians to coordinate patient care, utilize advanced diagnostic imaging and treatment modalities, ensure continuity of care, and provide after-hours emergency consultation and support.
• Teach and mentor veterinary learners by providing clinical instruction, supervision, and hands-on training for veterinary students, interns, and residents during clinical rotations, case rounds, surgical procedures, and didactic educational activities to support the educational mission of the Veterinary Health System.
• Advance the Avian, Exotic, and Zoological Medicine Service by participating in collaborative case management, supporting clinical research and scholarly activities, contributing to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, and promoting evidence-based specialty veterinary medicine.
• Foster strong client and professional relationships by communicating complex medical information, consulting with referring veterinarians, educating clients regarding diagnostic and treatment options, and maintaining a high standard of client service that supports the reputation and growth of the AEZ Service.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support hospital operations, specialty service initiatives, emergency response, professional development, committee participation, and the evolving clinical, teaching, and research missions of the Veterinary Health System.

Conditions of Employment:

• American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM), European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM), or related American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) board certification or eligibility by start date.
• Eligibility to obtain a State of Colorado Academic Veterinarian license.
• Pre-employment criminal background check.
• Essential Services Designation: Required to report without delay or interruption to provide essential or emergency services to ensure health, safety and welfare.
• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the proposed start date; the department will not sponsor a visa for this position.

Supervision:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility for personnel. However, the incumbent provides clinical leadership by directing and coordinating the work of veterinary technicians, interns, residents, veterinary students, and other support personnel during patient care activities to ensure high-quality clinical outcomes, patient safety, and an effective teaching environment.

Minimum Education:

A DVM or equivalent degree.
 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated history of excellence in clinical work.
• Demonstrated collegiality and contributions to a high-performance team.
• Experience in the instruction of veterinary students, interns, and residents.

Salary Range

Required Application Documents

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.